What is the difference between criminal and civil court?

The main difference between criminal and civil court is the type of cases they hear. Criminal court deals with cases that involve breaking the law, such as robbery, assault, or murder. Civil court typically hears cases between two individuals or companies that involve disputes over money, property, or contracts. In criminal court, the state or federal government is the one filing the charges and is referred to as the “prosecutor.” The defendant is the one accused of committing the crime. In order for the prosecutor to get a guilty verdict, they must prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil court, the individuals or companies filing the lawsuit are called the “plaintiff” and “defendant.” The plaintiff is typically suing the defendant for damages or money. In a civil court case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is guilty by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the facts and evidence must show that the defendant is more likely than not at fault. Criminal and civil court both serve important roles in the judicial system, but they are quite different. Criminal court is reserved for cases that involve breaking the law, while civil court is used primarily to settle disputes between two individuals or companies. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for anyone going to court in California.

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What is the difference between criminal and civil court?

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